He added: "He was always smiling, telling us he loved us and would share anything he had.

"Even on the morning he died, he had texted me saying, 'Hi dad, going to meet Damien. See you later. Love you'."

Judge Philip Statman left the bench for two minutes after Mrs Plommer's statement, which was described by defence solicitor Karen Dempsey as “heart-rending”.

Kyle Plommer was an avid cricket fan

She added: “The defendant is extremely sorry about the loss to the family of Kyle. She is extremely remorseful and distressed about what happened and feels it should have been her and not Kyle who died.

“She has no recollection about what happened but will be haunted by the consequences of her actions for the rest of her life.”

Lee-Alliston was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and banned from driving for three years. She will also have to take an extended test before being allowed to drive again.

Judge Statman told Kyle's family: “There are no words of comfort that I can extend to the family because there is nothing I can do to bring that young man back to life.”

He added he believedLee-Alliston’s remorse was genuine, adding that friends had described her as “a woman of kindness and thoughtfulness”.

It emerged during sentencing that a courageous motorist risked his life to save Kyle's brother, Damien.

Martin Jones was passing the scene of the crash when he rushed over to the overturned Fiesta, which was spilling petrol.

Damien - who was unconscious inside and trapped by his seatbelt - was cut free by Mr Jones.

The judge said Mr Jones had shown courage and awarded him £500 and a High Sheriff of Kent Bravery Award.